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Camisoles are an extremely important part of your wardrobe. Cropped, rigid, highly lacy, shiny and often itchy cami’s sold in underwear departments are no longer the norm. The camisole has transformed into an unfussy, longer, softer, more stretchy and superbly comfortable item that’s part of everyday outerwear. After a proper bra fitting, finding a range of camisoles that work for you is the next step.

Camisoles are fabulous because…

They smooth out your silhouette underneath your clothes, thereby giving you a slimmer and more polished appearance.

They make an outfit more interesting when the top and bottom peak through from underneath (either through a contrasting colour or fabrication).

They act as a flattering layering item by deflecting the eye to your upper body.

They give you effective coverage when you bend over (both on top and bottom).

They can make ultra trendy looks wearable.

They keep you warm when it’s chilly.

There are countless options. From built in-bras, solids and prints, to v-necks, lace trims and breathable cotton-rich fabrications. Express, Nordstrom and Banana Republic have a particularly good assortment at the moment. Try the concept if it’s new to you. If you already sport the look, ensure that you have a good collection. My wardrobe wouldn’t function without them.

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I agree that camisoles are fantastic and a necessary part of any woman’s wardrobe. I’m a fashion coordinator, and they are my staples, both in my personal collection and in the ensembles I create at work.

Angie, what are your feelings on tanks? Do you think they serve the same purpose or are they a little too casual and not as polished? This is an area I really need to work on. I only have two white camis that are starting to get a little gross. But JCrew always has sales on their tanks, so that’s why I tend to buy. They definitely don’t seem to be as nice, though.

I noticed that you mentioned that camis come with bra or without. I generally do not like the ones with a bra. I feel like they give me uni-boob. But, of course, I haven’t bought one in years, so maybe the “technology” is more developed!

I agree with Rhonda and Christie. I hate the bra straps and feel like the camisoles with the shelf bra offer no support, just compression. Any suggestion for under camisole support or do we just have to suffer with the strapless bra?

well, as i wear one EVERY day i couldn’t agree more with you! they hold in all my rolls and swells and allow me to wear lower cut jeans and plunging necklines without being offensive in public! I need to get more!

ALWAYS wear a bra with your camis and never rely on the built in bra for support. This is not a good look.

The straps will only show if you wear the cami on it’s own (which you shouldn’t unless the colour of your bra strap matches). This is not a top – it’s a layering piece which therefore never leaves you with this bra strap problem. Opt for a tank with built up shoulders so that you can wear your normal bra underneath if you want a cool and skimpy single layer.

[...] If you’re looking for sexy coverage that’s simple chic, Undertease is the brand for you. The online company makes superb longer length camisoles and undergarment T’s that prevent you from tugging and adjusting at your clothing unnecessarily. Layer with these dream T’s and eliminate the fashion faux pas forever. [...]

[...] Dress in layers and be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout your journey. Start of with a camisole or tank top so that you can peel right off to this last layer if you need to. Top it off with a wrinkle free knitted top, cardigan, hoodie or stretchy jacket. Wear a trench coat instead of a jacket and look uber chic. [...]

[...] sack dresses and swing tops, try it as an accessory or in a classic clothing piece instead. Camisoles, button down shirts, layering knit tops and costume jewelry are safe and inexpensive ways of [...]

i always always wear cami’s but i have a smaller fram with larger bust so an actual bra is a must all i do is wear a black bra and it doesn’t look bad at all either that or coordinate your bra color with your cami color its not hopeless. but anyway i couldn’t live without a cami

I couldn’t agree more! I love my camisoles. I wear them very often, because they are so versatile. I wear some of my camisoles to the gym, some I layer underneath shirts to keep me warm, and some are so cute that I wear them alone. I agree with you, Everyday Cami: I couldn’t live without a cami either!!!

[...] a body contouring camisole that discretely slims the midsection. It’s better than a conventional camisole because of a stretchy stiff spandex panel across the midriff. Unlike conventional shapewear, this [...]

Due to a somewhat offensive amount of cleavage, I have to wear cami’s under almost everything, but I have not been able to find any lately that I can wear. I HATE SHELF BRAS, even with my regular bra underneath they give me a major uni-boob and it looks like I have on a sports bra. I also prefer them to be a cotton spandex blend. Has anyone out ther found someone who sells “the perfect cami?”

[...] than I care to display, but I learned a trick right here at YLF that makes any top wearable. I just pop a camisole underneath and I’m good to go! A cami gives me just a little bit of extra coverage, and I wear one almost [...]

I get all of my camis from Justice For Girls, that’s the only store that was popular when I started getting into clothes and fashion at like third or fourth grade. Besides the fact, Justice’s camis, from the back look like a bra strap! I never knew that until one day before school saw it on the shirt I wear all the time with that type of cami. (I felt so embarrassed) Anyway I bought tank tops, Phew, I <3 Tanks! No spaghetti straps lingering and no bra strap look alike. Join me in the army of tanks! (SORRY IF THIS WAS TOO LONG TO READ!)

I hate the uniboob look. The best thing I found was a shaped camisole at Wal-Mart a few years ago. I had trouble with it rolling up, but if I tuck it into my underwear, it stays pretty well. It is super comfortable and keeps my breasts separate. The problem is that it is not cotton and can get pretty hot in the summer. Has anyone found a cotton (or mostly some natural fiber) camisole that gives enough support that you don’t need a bra? I am fuller-figured and don’t care much for spagetti straps either. I live out in the boonies, so I have to order online, and I don’t get a chance to try stuff on, so I’d really appreciate help. Thanks!